The {weekly} Daybook

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I have seen this Daybook idea around on different blogs and loved it, but this is the first I’m trying it as an attempt to catch up on the past few weeks. So this here is my Daybook, with a few variations…

Outside My Window

are the tennis courts and a few players enjoying the overcast day. There are times I would like a better view out the front door, but then I can also sit on my front porch without someone across the street looking at me. :)

I Am Thankful For

 a day of quietness.
The last few weeks have been a constant busy and going and activity, and while it was so enjoyable, we are all so thankful for a quieter week.  We’ve had rain days, which make for a quieter feeling as well.

The end of May Zoe finished up Kindergarten on the front porch. It was a year of learning for both of us – doing Kindergarten at home, and we plan on doing 1st grade at home as well. We used the Abeka DVD’s and they were wonderful. I can’t imagine homeschooling without them.

My blue-eyed daughter is quite the scholar. She LOVED school, and was sad for it to end.

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Not to be outdone by big sister, little sister did some learning as well.
However, distraction comes easily for her… :)

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We had a jewelry-making day with the nun, er, princess,
I mean, bride!

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And don’t even think of forgetting Little Man.
He’ll let you hear about it.

He wants to be included in everything. :)

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I Am Reading

several books at the moment.
I love to read, and different years I have different “themes.”
Sometimes I feel like I get stuck in mommy-mode, and while some of that is okay, I don’t want to stagnate either!

One year I wanted to stretch my mind, so I read a lot of  C. S. Lewis and Chesterton and those great old authors. It was good, and mind-stimulating!

This year my sister gave me an armload of books, many having to do current desperate world needs, orphan advocacy, and a call to holiness.

I have been incredibly moved, and reading some of those books leaves me a different person, with a different heart.

To name a few…

Terrify No More
[a story of  sex trafficking in East Asia]

Too Small to Ignore
[the moving story of the beginnings of Compassion International]

The Hole in Our Holiness
[a call to do all for God and His glory, rather than using “grace” to cover flesh and sin]

The following picture:
“Mommy, I’m adopting this baby. She doesn’t have a mommy or daddy, so I’m adopting her and I’m gonna be her family.”

I am melted. I LOVE that she has a heart for the orphan, even if it’s in baby-doll form at four years old.

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I Am Looking Forward

 to a day with my husband, to celebrate almost-8 years of being married! :)
A very sweet babysitter is lined up, and I am so grateful to her!

One of the things I miss about not living near my family is that ability to call them up and say, “I need ONE HOUR! Can you watch the kids for ONE hour while I regroup!?” Or to have dates with my husband on a regular basis… So, I am very grateful for this babysitter. :)


I Am Thinking

of good ways to have chores organized for the kiddos.
They are super helpers, but I would like something organized rather than me verbally asking them each time.

I don’t really want a sticker system; that seems like too much to keep after for me!

I do want something efficient and easy… for both the kids and myself.
Maybe incorporate it into allowances?
But I’m stuck!

I would love to hear your ideas and see pictures!
And if I get 3 or more ideas, I’d love to put into into blog format to give other people ideas too.
If you’re up for it, send ideas and at least one picture to skiesofparchment (@) gmail.com
:)

In The Kitchen

Not today, but in the past few weeks…
… Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie, recipe passed on from my husband’s mother

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A breakfast or lunch favorite learned from a friend:
a yogurt parfait
with
homemade Greek vanilla yogurt
homemade granola
sliced strawberries
blackberries
drizzled with maple syrup
a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Mmmmmmmmmm.

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One of My Favorite Things

Early mornings on my front porch, before the kiddos wake up.
A hot cup of coffee, my Bible, journal, and an hour of quietness.
There is nothing better.
If only I could do it every morning.

A Picture

 my peanut butter baby.

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Happy Hump Day, Lovelies! :)

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